Longitude #56

Leaders

Science deniers

When scientific evidence gets in the way of a given political agenda, then an insidious mechanism of denial sets into motion. These days, science denial may be one of the few aspects of political debate that are truly bipartisan.

Modern man’s restless longing to know the world is the driving force of science. The benefits of our accumulated knowledge have fostered a sense of freedom. Paradoxically, that freedom is too easily confused with a free market contingent on ignorance, which would have us desire an impossible return to a pre-scientific state.

As China’s economic strength has grown, its government has cautiously eased its money toward full convertibility. The recent addition of the yuan to the IMF currency basket will have many ramifications, especially in China.

France

The French are now looking at a tri-polar political scenario. The National Front Party, which once made waves at the fringes, is responding to many mainstream concerns. What does that mean for the future of French politics?

Islamic terrorism

The Islamic State is now attacking beyond the Muslim world. How they manage to hit the United States will depend on the degree to which American Muslims buy into their message and on law enforcers’ ability to thwart them.

Syrian conflict

The nature of the Syrian Civil War is such that external actors have a significant stake, yet they are at cross-purposes. And they don’t wish to overly commit thus far against the supposed common enemy, lest they get tangled into an intractable free-for-all.

Ukraine

Ukraine is making slow tumultuous progress in its quest for European integration. While the post-revolution government is generally viewed as more of the same, many people recognize that it is probably better than the alternatives.

Latin America

In the past decade many Latin American countries have veered leftward. But there are distinct varieties of leftist governments, and the entire continent offers a wide range of possibilities in contrasting decades of predominately rights leaders.

The Orientalist

With much of the country split between two parliaments, and the rest contested by militias and extremists, there is no easy solution for Libya’s ills. Lack of commitment on the West’s part doesn’t help either.

Talking heads

World money

Moves on the part of central banks have determined the direction of the economy in recent years. But leaving such decisions to institutions inclined to “massage” the rule of law may bode ill for democracy.

Smart thinking

Business models are changing. But if that were the only problem, then entrepreneurs would have it easy. The biggest problem, in fact, may come from changes in regulation that these new types of business induce.

Potomac watch

A sincere effort to destroy IS would best be done with the United States and Russia teaming up. Unfortunately, mutual mistrust, a lack of resolve, and a slew of other actors at cross-purposes undermine that possibility.